The courtyard with two different privacy problems

Buy nothing yetMove the table before you buy the pergola.

Before you buy a pergola, move the table.

Every change below is put into the plan and the whole model is run again. That is why a pergola's winter cost shows up here without anybody having written it down, and why the cheapest thing that actually buys hours back is allowed to win.

Fixing

For

Reading at

7:00 PM·October

The sun is down.

Where it stands now

Read for an hour

Reading chair does not work for reading for an hour right now, and what it feels like is why.

“No” means the model does not support this use under the conditions being read. The controlling limits are listed below.

Past the limit What it feels like is about 50°F — 11°F under (at least 61°F)Estimate: Worked out, but at least one input was assumed rather than measured.
The air is 55.9°F. It feels about 5.9 degrees cooler than the air, near 50°F.
An hour is long enough for a few degrees to matter.

Still unanswered:Noise

Why it is unanswered

Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

What would change this. This would change if what it feels like were measured rather than estimated, or if noise were measured.

Confidence low (49%). Treat this as a starting hypothesis, not an answer.

What this answer was built from

Use: Read for an hour
Place: Reading chair
Weather: Humid continental, hot summers, real winters (scenario shape), scenario (from a published source)
Method: Traced geometry and radiation at this hour, measured against what this use needs

The smallest thing that helps at this hour

A second seat 19 ft 8 in south

A second seat 19 ft 8 in south moves this from No to Tight without solving any single limit outright.

Summer solstice, 21 June: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Winter solstice, 21 December: still 4 hours usable.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels. With this change, nothing named closes the usable span.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what closes it, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

No extra hours this daymove it

Nothing on the list buys extra hours on this day, so this is the least effort that still moves a limit.

Not offered, and why

Glare is not what is limiting this seat, so turning it changes very little.
Wind is not the limiting factor at this spot, so a windbreak solves a problem you do not have.
Every fixture here is already fully shielded.
Nothing overhead here to hang a curtain from yet.
Nothing here has usable space underneath it.
The sun is not up at this hour, so there is nothing to stand in front of.
There is no sun to shade at this hour.
No mature canopy here to work on.
This observer is looking down, and depth does nothing against a downward angle.
Wind is not what is limiting this spot.
Wind is not what is limiting this spot.
Wind is not what is limiting this spot.
Wind is not what is limiting this spot.
Nothing here is relying on a deciduous canopy, so there is no winter gap to fill.
This point is a place for people, not a place for a plant.
This ground already sheds water quickly.
Every fixture here is already warm.
There is no lighting here to rearrange.

21 changes, tested at 7:00 PM in October

One at a time, so you can tell what caused whatLook at the plan

Does it have to suit you?

All 21 changes, in the order the engine ranked them. Say something about your situation and the ones that would not suit you get set aside.

I rent, so nothing permanentRules out anything that cannot be taken away again.
Nothing that needs a builderRules out changes that need footings, trades or a structure fixing to the house.
I want it working this seasonRules out planting and anything else that only works once it has grown.
I will not maintain itRules out anything needing regular watering, pruning or seasonal putting away.

TestMove itYou can undo it

A second seat 19 ft 8 in south

ForecastTightfrom No

A second seat 19 ft 8 in south moves this from No to Tight without solving any single limit outright.

Put two chairs 19 feet 8 inches to the south and leave the main table where it is. The point is not to fix this spot but to stop needing it at the hour it does not work.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A second seat 19 ft 8 in south
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Winter solstice, 21 December: still 4 hours usable.

Solstice hours are how long this use can happen on those days. The beam sentence is one clock time, and a different number.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels. With this change, nothing named closes the usable span.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what closes it, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestMove itYou can undo it

Move the table 8 ft 2 in south-east

ForecastNostill No

Move the table 8 ft 2 in south-east eases the hour without solving any single limit outright.

Slide the seating about 8 feet 2 inches toward the south-east and change nothing else.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Move the table 8 ft 2 in south-east
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Winter solstice, 21 December: still 4 hours usable.

Solstice hours are how long this use can happen on those days. The beam sentence is one clock time, and a different number.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what closes it, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestAn afternoonYou can undo it

Two low shielded lights instead of one high one

ForecastNostill No

Two low shielded lights instead of one high one does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Add a pair of shielded 200 lumen fixtures at knee height near the seating, so the useful light is where people are rather than thrown across the garden.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Two low shielded lights instead of one high one
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Winter solstice, 21 December: still 4 hours usable.

Solstice hours are how long this use can happen on those days. The beam sentence is one clock time, and a different number.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what closes it, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanent

Raise the seating 2 ft 11 in

ForecastNostill No

Raise the seating 2 ft 11 in eases the hour without solving any single limit outright.

A raised platform lifting the seat about 2 feet 11 inches. It clears low boundaries, reaches faster air, and it works both ways: what you can see over, you can be seen over.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Raise the seating 2 ft 11 in
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

+0 hours of usable time on this day. Opens 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Summer solstice, 21 June: no usable hours then, with or without this change.

Winter solstice, 21 December: 4 hours usable now, 2 hours with this change. 2 hours given up.

Solstice hours are how long this use can happen on those days. The beam sentence is one clock time, and a different number.

On this day: what it feels like is what closes it, and how much sky is overhead is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

On the summer solstice: what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels. With this change, what it feels like is what keeps it shut, and air movement is the part that moves how it feels.

On the winter solstice: what it feels like is what closes it, and direct sun on the seat is the part that moves how it feels, with or without this change.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestAn afternoonYou can undo it

Add 1 ft 6 in of trellis to Existing side fence

ForecastNostill No

Add 1 ft 6 in of trellis to Existing side fence does not move this in any way worth the effort.

An open trellis panel on top of Existing side fence, taking it from 5 feet 11 inches to 7 feet 5 inches. Open trellis blocks a sightline at an angle while letting light and air through, which a solid board does not.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Add 1 ft 6 in of trellis to Existing side fence
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestA projectYou can undo it

A 6 ft 10 in screen 9 ft 1 in from the seat

ForecastNostill No

A 6 ft 10 in screen 9 ft 1 in from the seat does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A screen 6 feet 10 inches high and about 7 feet 3 inches wide, standing 9 feet 1 inch from the seat on the line to East upstairs window.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A 6 ft 10 in screen 9 ft 1 in from the seat
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestA projectYou can undo itYears to work

A deciduous climber on tensioned wires

ForecastNostill No

A deciduous climber on tensioned wires does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Wires strung about 8 feet 6 inches above the seating with a vigorous deciduous climber trained across them. In leaf it shades like a light pergola; bare, it gives back most of the winter sun a solid roof would have kept.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A deciduous climber on tensioned wires
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanentYears to work

An evergreen hedge to about 6 ft 9 in

ForecastNostill No

An evergreen hedge to about 6 ft 9 in does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A dense evergreen hedge grown to about 6 feet 9 inches and 7 feet 10 inches along, on the line to East upstairs window. It reads as garden rather than barrier, and it will take several seasons to do the job.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: An evergreen hedge to about 6 ft 9 in
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanentYears to work

A tree between the seat and East upstairs window

ForecastNostill No

A tree between the seat and East upstairs window does not move this in any way worth the effort.

One multi-stemmed tree grown to about 23 feet, set roughly a third of the way toward East upstairs window. Interrupting a downward sightline needs height, not length, and a single crown in the right place does what a whole run of fence cannot reach.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A tree between the seat and East upstairs window
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

A paler paving

ForecastNostill No

A paler paving does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Replace Courtyard with a paler paving of similar mass. The surface itself runs cooler underfoot; the trade is that more light bounces back up at a seated person.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A paler paving
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

Relay it as a permeable surface

ForecastNostill No

Relay it as a permeable surface does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Relay Courtyard as permeable paving or resin-bound gravel over an open sub-base. Water goes down instead of sideways, so the spot dries hours earlier after rain and stops holding the film that makes it slippery and green.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Relay it as a permeable surface
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

A ventilated timber deck instead

ForecastNostill No

A ventilated timber deck instead does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Replace Courtyard with a ventilated timber deck. Heavy paving charges all afternoon and radiates back until well after dark, which is why an evening terrace can feel hotter than the air. A light deck over an air gap is done within the hour.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A ventilated timber deck instead
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

Take up the paving and plant it

ForecastNostill No

Take up the paving and plant it does not move this in any way worth the effort.

Lift Courtyard and plant it. Nothing else on this list moves surface temperature as far: paving in full sun sits twenty degrees or more above the air, while planted ground transpires and typically sits at or below it. It is also the only change here that gets better rather than worse over ten years.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Take up the paving and plant it
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestAn afternoonYou can undo it

A 9 ft 10 in umbrella

ForecastNostill No

A 9 ft 10 in umbrella does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A 9 feet 10 inches canopy at about 7 feet 7 inches, set square over the table.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A 9 ft 10 in umbrella
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

TestA projectYou can undo it

A shade sail over the seating

ForecastNostill No

A shade sail over the seating does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A sail about 16 feet 5 inches by 13 feet 1 inch, set at about 9 feet 2 inches and angled to shed water.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A shade sail over the seating
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanent

An 8 ft 2 in awning

ForecastNostill No

An 8 ft 2 in awning does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A folding-arm awning projecting 8 feet 2 inches from the house wall at about 8 feet 6 inches, retracted out of season.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: An 8 ft 2 in awning
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA projectPermanentYears to work

A deciduous tree 16 ft 5 in west of the seat

ForecastNostill No

A deciduous tree 16 ft 5 in west of the seat does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A medium deciduous tree planted 16 feet 5 inches to the west, grown to about 26 feet, with a crown roughly 19 feet 8 inches across.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A deciduous tree 16 ft 5 in west of the seat
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

Horizontal fins above the opening

ForecastNostill No

Horizontal fins above the opening does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A run of fixed horizontal fins projecting about 2 feet 4 inches from House, set above head height. Geometry does the work: high summer sun is cut, low winter sun passes under, and the view out is barely touched.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: Horizontal fins above the opening
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

A pergola with open slats

ForecastNostill No

A pergola with open slats does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A pergola about 13 feet 1 inch square at 8 feet 6 inches with open slats, slats running roughly north.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A pergola with open slats
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

An adjustable louvred roof

ForecastNostill No

An adjustable louvred roof does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A louvred roof about 13 feet 1 inch square at 8 feet 6 inches, blades running north and closable.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: An adjustable louvred roof
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.

CommitmentA buildPermanent

A solid canopy over the seating

ForecastNostill No

A solid canopy over the seating does not move this in any way worth the effort.

A solid roof about 11 feet 2 inches above the seating, 13 feet 1 inch by 11 feet 6 inches, guttered on the low edge. Unlike fabric it works in rain, and unlike a pergola it takes the winter light too.

Gained: Nothing here.
Lost: Nothing here.
Unchanged: What it feels like
Still unanswered: Noise

The test: A solid canopy over the seating
If it worked: The hour is easier, even if no single limit disappeared.
If it didn’t: If what it feels like still stops the hour after you try it, this was not the mechanism.
Next evidence: Noise. Nobody has told us what the noise is like here, and it is not something geometry can infer.

It does not meaningfully change the beam in either season.